No to shaving, yes to laser hair removal

HI, REGINA!

What’s the best option for hair removal? Should I shave or wax?

CHARM

It really depends on the area you’re targeting. For something as sensitive as the underarms, I would actually suggest investing in laser hair removal. The effects should be mostly permanent after about five or six sessions (though this varies per person), and there are affordable but safe laser studios like Wink (in Bonifacio High Street) that offer great service. I’d never recommend shaving the underarms. Using a razor can cause friction and tiny wounds invisible to your eyes that may lead to hyperpigmentation (meaning: darkening of the skin, which nobody wants). Also, the roots of the hairs that remain under the surface of your skin can actually contribute to how dark your pits might look, which is another strike against shaving. Waxing is a better alternative than that, if laser hair removal is still out of your budget.

For the leg area, shaving and waxing should be fine; choose whichever option is most convenient and cost-effective for you.

REGINA

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Quick fix for breakouts

DEAR LUCY,

Help!  I have cystic breakouts!  I tried my go-to ointment, but I think my skin is immune to it already.  Help me!  I have a very important affair to attend in a few days, I absolutely cannot have a bumpy face. 

On another matter, is it okay if my husband uses my night cream? Or do men need a different formulation?

BELLE

Best to see a dermatologist but offhand, I would like to share with you a recent find.  I, too, have my own stash of tried-and-tested products that deal with breakouts, but this new one I tried is one of the best there is, based on personal experience.  Dermalogica’s Clear Start Breakout Clearing Emergency Spot Fix works really fast and well.  I had a few spots recently, brought by a change in temperature (from a cold climate to a smouldering heat) and I applied this directly on the spots.  Within the following day, the cystic acne had reduced to about half their original size!  I was impressed, to say the least.  I am definitely keeping this tube at the ready.

I checked the leaflet and the formula promises to be tough on breakouts yet gentle on the skin.  The active ingredients include lavender, Camellia Sinensis, and Tea Tree (legendary for calming skin irritation).  There are no artificial fragrances or dyes.  The best part is you can use it in conjunction with your regular day or night creams, just make sure that after washing your face, you apply it first before anything else.  You can apply every six to eight hours as needed until the breakout clears.

Regarding night creams for your hubby, nope, I would say yours should do just fine.  I have Anew Reversalist (by Avon) on the little table that is beside my part of the bed and each night, Richard reaches over to use it on his face.  It has worked wonderfully for him as well.  Try it!  I’m sure you and your husband will love it.

LUCY

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It’s in the (beach) bag!

DEAR RISSA,

What’s the perfect summer bag that I can use both on the beach or in the city?

ELLIE

I absolutely adore the latest collection of Aranaz! Dubbed as Club Tropicana, handbag designer and entrepreneur Amina Aranaz takes inspiration from the tropical rainforest. The collection boasts the beauty of hand-embroidered straw, shell inlay, and handcarved wood. I got myself a beautiful Carrie bag, an abaca tote with leather handles, and a leather pouch. Although I was never able to leave for the beach, this brings the sunshine and beach to me and makes me feel like every day is an escapade! What I personally love about Amina’s bags is that their beauty is timeless, limitless, and highlights Filipino design and craftsmanship. Whenever I have guests from abroad, I always make it a point that they don’t leave Manila without an Aranaz bag. Virtually every stylist, magazine editor, and fashionista has an Aranaz bag in her closet.

RISSA

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com. or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.